Former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has condemned the abduction of pupils and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, describing the incident as a tragic assault on children’s rights and Nigeria’s future.
The attack, which occurred on November 20 — the same day the world marked World Children’s Day — saw terrorists invade the school, abducting pupils and teachers and shooting a security officer. Amaechi prayed for the officer’s recovery and the safe return of all abducted victims, noting that families have been left traumatised.
He linked the attack to what he described as a worsening pattern of systemic violence, citing the recent kidnapping of young girls in Maga, Kebbi State. He expressed concern that top security officials — including the Minister of Defence, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, and the Chief of Defence Staff — were out of the country at a time when coordinated leadership was urgently required.
According to him, while international engagements are important, Nigerians expect “visible, decisive and proactive action,” not statements issued after tragedies.
Amaechi also highlighted UNICEF’s report that Nigeria has more than 18 million out-of-school children, the highest globally. He warned that repeated attacks on schools deepen fear among parents and pupils, pushing more children away from the classroom and jeopardising the nation’s long-term stability.
He criticised the dormancy of the Safe Schools Programme, noting that although the Federal Government endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration in 2018 and disbursed ₦16 billion for the initiative in 2022, the current administration has left the programme largely unfunded and inactive.
“We cannot claim to be serious about protecting schools while abandoning a critical national structure designed for that purpose,” he said.
Amaechi called for full national coordination, urging President Bola Tinubu to convene the National Council of State to draw on the expertise of past leaders and strengthen national security. “If we will not use such an instrument now, when will we?” he asked.
Referencing Tinubu’s 2022 declaration that it was his “turn” to lead, Amaechi said it is now the turn of Nigerian children to be protected while they prepare for the nation’s future. “The right to lead cannot be separated from the duty to protect,” he added.
He maintained that defeating insecurity requires more than armed force, stressing the need to restore economic opportunity, institutional trust and dignity. “Nigeria still has the institutions, intelligence and human capacity to protect itself. The real question is whether leadership is ready to use them with the urgency, discipline and courage this moment demands,” he said.
